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Cycle Burma | Burma Cycling Holiday

Burma is a tremendously friendly and welcoming country to visit. Decades of political isolation mean that many of the traditional ways of life remain unchanged in modern times, from the lowland Buddhist beliefs to the highland animist hilltribes. On this tour we cycle along rural backroads between the principal attractions of Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. Additionally we get closer to the locals in less visited but equally rewarding places such as Popa and Myingyan. We have graded the cycle rides as easy and the presence of a support vehicle throughout gives you the option of not riding on any one day.

Should I go?
Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese pro-democracy leader, gave her blessing to the return of tourism to Burma in November 2010. National League for Democracy (NLD) leader U Win Tin said: "We want people to come to Burma, not to help the junta, but to help the people by understanding the situation: political, economic, moral - everything." This marked the end of the tourism boycott started in 1995 and the return of small groups and individuals to Burma has been endorsed by Burma Campaign UK and the Free Burma campaign. Explore are delighted to return to Burma after pulling out in 1995 in response to the call for boycott. We use a privately-owned Burmese agent for all of our services, and whilst each itinerary has been carefully planned to try and avoid using any service owned by or affiliated with the government or former military junta, we accept that some money will make its way into their hands. We strongly believe that by operating tours in Burma we contribute to the local economy in a positive way, whilst providing our customers with an insight into the culture, through direct interaction with Burmese people.

Tour Highlights

Easy Cycling through Burma - Along quiet backroads getting off the beaten track as well as visiting the major highlights

Itinerary

1

Tour starts Rangoon (Yangon)

Arriving in Rangoon today we have a chance to relax and freshen up before enjoying a late afternoon visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma. Towering some 99 metres over the city, the pagoda's impressive golden stupa dominates the city skyline to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, making it the ideal spot from which to watch the sunset. Originally believed to be over 2,500 years old, this is the oldest pagoda in Burma and certainly one of the most beautiful in the whole of Asia. There will be an opportunity today to test your bicycles and make any necessary tweaks.

The Shwedagon Pagoda Trustee has announced that a new layer of gold leaf will be applied to the main pagoda between September 2014 and February 2015. During the process the main pagoda will be clad in bamboo scaffolding and enshrouded in canvas with parts of the pagoda possibly visible depending on the timing of your visit. The Shwedagon complex is large with a number of surrounding statues and temples and locals will still visit and contribute to its special ambience as the holiest of Buddhist shrines.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
None

2

Ferry to Dala, then cycle to Twante

After breakfast this morning we take the ferry downriver, towards the small township of Dala. From here we then cycle on to the town of Twante, situated midway along the 35 kilometres-long Twante Canal. Built during the 1880s, the canal connects the Yangon and Irrawaddy Rivers and until quite recently it was the quickest way to get from Rangoon to the Irrawaddy Delta. Known for its pottery, Twante itself is a quiet backwater of stilted wooden houses and horse-drawn carriages that provides us with a fascinating snapshot of the rural Burma of old. After time to wander around the market and lunch at a local restaurant we will return with our bus to Rangoon, arriving late afternoon. The bikes we ride on today are rented for the day in Rangoon and models vary.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

3

Fly to Bagan; sightseeing by bus and bike

This morning we fly to the archaeological site of Bagan, without doubt one of the most impressive religious sites anywhere in Asia. On arrival we will visit some of the most distinctive pagodas by bus, which may include the Shwezigon Pagoda, the 13th century frescoes and cave temple of Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi and the Ananda Pagoda, one of the best preserved monuments in the entire city. Late in the day we will ride local style simple bikes between the temples and enjoy the sunset.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

4

Explore the temples of Bagan on two wheels

Bagan rose to prominence during the 11th to 13th centuries. At its height it presented a sea of colour and spectacle, with over 13,000 temples and pagodas spread across its expansive plains. Today just over 2,000 remain. After breakfast we continue our exploration of the archaeological ruins by bike, paying visits to the Sulamani Temple of King Narapatisithu and the finely crafted brickwork of the Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest shrine on the site. In the afternoon we continue sightseeing, this time by bus, ending with a memorable sunset from one of the temples.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 25 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

5

Cycle through picturesque countryside to Mount Popa

This morning we take a ride through the picturesque countryside to Mount Popa, Burma's sacred abode of the Nats (spirit gods). A volcanic plug that rises high above the surrounding landscape, the summit has rare flora and fauna and provides some fine panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The small temple on the summit is also home to troops of wild monkeys. Today's ride begins with a steady but gentle incline for the first 28km after which we have a tea break at Daung Zin junction. The ride from this point continues on slightly hillier terrain with some more inclines for the remaining 17km, but you have the option to ride in the support vehicle if you prefer. The cycle route ends at the foot of mount Popa where you have the choice to climb the 777 steps to the mountain-top temple. We spend this evening at a simple guest house on the slopes of the mountain.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres

Overnight: Simple HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

6

Rural cycling through cotton fields to Myingyan

Today we head into the heart of Burma's cotton growing region, passing through the town of Taungtha en route to the port of Myingyan on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Travelling by bike and bus we have a chance today to experience a little something of rural life, pedalling through forests and passing by palm thatch villages where ox carts are still the main form of transport. There may be the chance to stop off and watch the production of traditional 'toddy' palm juice. Toddy palms can be found throughout Myanmar and the juice is extracted to produce palm sugar, 'jaggery' and also fermented to make 'toddy wine'.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 58 kilometres

Overnight: Simple GuesthouseSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

7

Backroad cycling to Mandalay

The city of Mandalay was Burma's last royal capital and lies to the north-east of Myingyan. It continues to be the the country's most historic and culturally rich region. As with yesterday, we cover part of the journey by bike today, travelling through to the small town of Myittha and up towards the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River. Our route today is once again along quiet backroads with plenty of opportunities to observe rural ways of life.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres plus an optional further 20 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

8

Mandalay city tour followed by visit to Amarapura

We spend this morning exploring some of Mandalay city's major highlights, including the Jade market, the fish market, the world's largest boo at Kuthodaw Pagoda, the intricate wooden majesty of the Shwenanda (Golden Palace) Monastery and Mandalay Hill. After lunch we drive a short distance south to visit the former royal capital of Amarapura, perhaps best known for the 19th century 1.2 kilometres U-Bein footbridge that spans Lake Taungthaman. Later we pay a visit to the Mahagondayon Monastery, one of the largest and most important religious centres in Burma.

No cycling today.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

9

Boat trip on the Irrawaddy after morning cycle

This morning we drive to Sagaing, located some 20 kilometres from Mandalay. Overlooking the waters of the Irrawaddy River, Sagaing is considered one of Burma's most important religious centres and its hillside is covered in pagodas and temples. We spend some time exploring the temple sites on the hill, walking along trails that link them. Later we get on our bikes and continue along the river to the ruins of Mingun Pagoda - the worlds largest unfinished stupa. After visiting Mingun we embark on a boat for the 30 minute cruise back to Mandalay on the Irrawaddy River, arriving in the late afternoon.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

10

Mandalay to Kalaw by bus and bike

We spend most of the day making our way up onto the Shan Plateau to the old hill station of Kalaw. Most of the journey we will make by bus stopping en route to cycle along a back road with little traffic through agricultural lands and authentic local villages with plenty of opportunity for interaction. Kalaw itself sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau and was a popular hill station in British colonial times to escape the summer heat. Nowadays it is still a peaceful and quiet place and we should arrive in the late afternoon.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

11

Kalaw to Inle Lake, afternoon optional wine tasting

After breakfast we will drive for about one hour to the small town of Aung Ban from where we commence today's cycle ride. The route we bike is mostly downhill and leads us to Inle Lake itself. Surrounded by hills and populated predominantly by the Intha people, Inle Lake is one of the highest lakes in the country. Devout Buddhists, the local population of self-sufficient farmers and fishermen live in simple stilted houses of wood and bamboo, growing their food on floating gardens of grass and seaweed. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel in the town of Nyaung Shwe, the main entry point for excursions onto the lake. The afternoon is left free to relax or you may prefer to participate in an optional wine-tasting in a scenic location near the lake.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

12

Sightseeing on Inle Lake by longtail boat

Today we leave the bikes behind and take to the waters on a longtail boat excursion on Inle Lake. We may get the chance to see a local market, some cottage industries, traditional boat making and silk weaving and, hopefully, come across some of the local fishermen practicing their uniquely distinctive rowing techniques. This involves them wrapping one leg around the oar, a technique devised to make it easier see over the islands of reeds. In the afternoon we head to the western part of the lake to Indein village where we walk up a short distance to a hillside complex of 1,000 stupas (places of worship). From up here we can enjoy some great views of the lake setting. We spend this evening in the village of Nyaung Shwe.

No cycling today.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

13

Fly back to Rangoon; free time to explore the markets

We drive to Heho for our flight back to Rangoon. If not visited earlier in the tour we recommend a stroll along Pansodan Street to take in the rich colonial architecture and bustling street markets. The remainder of the day is free for further sightseeing. you may choose to visit Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott's Market, which is filled with handicrafts from all over the country (closed on Mondays, full moons and public holidays). Alternatively you could head for Chinatown, to explore its temples and street markets before returning to the hotel.

No cycling today.

Overnight: Standard HotelSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

14

Tour ends Rangoon

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Burma by Bike tour available at present.

Customer rating:Burma by Bike4.5 out of
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Why Book this tour

Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Included meals

13

9

0

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Transport

Bus, Boat, Bicycle

Accommodation

Tour Staff

Cycling Information

On this tour we cycle 308 km over nine days (an average of 34 km per day) with a further optional 20 km available. We mostly follow provincial roads with less car traffic (90% tarmac roads, 10% earth or gravel roads). The terrain is generally flat with some gentle slopes on limited sections. A support vehicle accompanies the rides throughout the tour. We have graded the route as easy.